Getting Ready for College or Workforce Training

Ensure that your student on on track for graduation.

SCPS Graduation Requirements
Cumulative GPA 2.0 (unweighted)
Complete virtual course
Complete 26 credits
English - 4 credits
Math - 4 credits (9th grade-12th)
Science - 4 credits
Social Studies- 3 credits (World, US History, Government/Economics)
Performing/Fine Art - 1 credit
Personal Fitness - 0.5
PE class - 0.5 credit
Elective credits - 9 credits
Must take the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE)

Paying for College requires planning.

1. Fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA. 
  • You will want to include school codes so each school's financial aid office can prepare a financial package for your student.
2. Among your top choices for college, check their website for priority application dates.  This deadline is often critical if you want to be considered for scholarships from that institution.
3. Look for external scholarships, like those offered by the 4. Never pay someone to help you find money for college.  

Dual-enrollment can shorter your time in and cost for college.

Think about whether dual enrollment courses are a good option for your student.  Dual enrollment classes, if passed with a grade of C or better, may mean that your student can complete college early. These courses and the required books are free to students who are enrolled in public high school or home school.  ​

Get your volunteer hours completed.

Volunteer hours are one way to make your application stand out from the crowd.  When students take time to volunteer, they are demonstrating that they are investing in their community.  Volunteer hours are a great way to illustrate what issues are important to you.  Time spent volunteering is a great way to learn a skill, gain a reference, and illustrate that you are reliable.  Be strategic when you are choosing your site location.  Make sure that you have a way to get there on time and you consistently show up. To be eligible for certain programs, like Bright Futures, students do have to track volunteer hours.

Here are some ways to volunteer:
  1. Become a registered dividend and volunteer at the local elementary school.
  2. Reach out to SCCPTA and ask which local chapters are looking for support (bookfairs, trunk-or-treats, school assemblies).
  3. Reach out to local animal shelters and horse farms : Pet Rescue by Judy, Pet Alliance, Freedom Ride.
  4. Look for organizations that give a hand up: Sharing Center, Harvest Time International,  Shepard's Hope.
  5. Check with your local faith community to see what opportunities they have for volunteers.
  6. Many local arts communities are in need of volunteers.  It's a great way to volunteer and sometimes catch a performance: Orlando Shakes,  Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
  7. Local hospitals even offer structured volunteer programs: AdventHealth, Orlando Health. 

Apply for the SCCPTA Scholarship.

SCCPTA Scholarship applications are online for 2025 and accepted for submission starting on January 4, 2025 and ending March 12, 2025
All students - Scholarships available to all students in the district can be found here. Scholarships are added in the order received.

Look for local scholarship opportunities.

The Foundation - Each year The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools provides numerous scholarship opportunities for students.

​If you are looking for scholarships that are specific to the school you attend (i.e. only for students who attend Crooms) please click on your school name.
Crooms
Hagerty
Lake Brantley
Lake Howell
Lake Mary
Lyman HS
Oviedo HS
Seminole HS
Winter Springs HS
PSI High
Seminole County Virtual School

Use free resources to help file the FAFSA.

Need help completing your FAFSA?  Trio Connections of Central Florida partners with SCPS to provide 1 on 1 help completing the Financial Aid process.  Click here to make a FAFSA Appointment with the Trio experts!

Financial Aid Resources